Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: suspectmonkey on June 23, 2010

Title: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: suspectmonkey on June 23, 2010
Thought would try and see if there is any interest in tackling a 100km jaunt from Newcastle to Carlingford?  The idea came from MG1's post (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1003.0) about the TRAILTREKKER event.  Rather than try and tackle the route in 36 hours however, it might make a good trip for an overnighter.  Some information on the route Oxfam are using can be found here (https://netbel.oxfamireland.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=332).

Initial thoughts would be that seeing the route takes you through Rostrevor forest we could possibly use the campsite there for the overnighter.  If we were really organised, and wanted to keep pack weight down, we could also consider leaving a car at Rostrevor with all our camping gear in it to save us carrying it.

The boat from Warrenpoint to Omeath seems to run daily, so getting across Carlingford Lough shouldnt be a problem.  I'm not overly familiar with the Carlingford side.  I have been around the Cooley Mountains whilst photographing an adventure race though and it seems like a cracking place to walk.  Carlingford village will be a lovely place to finish as well.

Only thing I can see being an issue is getting back to Newcastle again after the walk!  Might have to rely on public transport :o  No idea of dates at the moment, but if there is good interest in this we can work it out to suit as many people as possible. 
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: RedLeader on June 23, 2010
I could be tempted. Any idea how much ascent is involved?
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: suspectmonkey on June 23, 2010
I could be tempted. Any idea how much ascent is involved?

No idea, but I don't think there is that much ascent.  The route seems to follow forest tracks, paths and a bit of road so seems fairly low level.  Certainly from Newcastle to Warrenpoint heads through Tollymore, over some of the Mourne Way and down to Rostrevor.  Not sure about the Carlingford side.  Might buy some Mapyx tiles this evening for the Cooley Mountains and stick the route in to see how it looks!
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: RedLeader on June 23, 2010
I'd be interested (but I'd want to have stuff left in Tollymore - wouldn't want to carry all my crap 100k!). Tho 2 days @ 50k then trying to get back to Newcastle could be hard. Maybe a 2nd night in Carlingford then home the next day.
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: suspectmonkey on June 23, 2010
Yep, no reason why we couldn't do it over two nights with a stay in Carlingford after the walk.  Would be good to have a few after walk refreshments there as well!

I'm with you on not lugging the camping gear for 100km.  Would make things a lot easier if we could travel light.
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: Scribble on June 23, 2010
I'd be up for this depending on work and wife restrictions , I could also maybe supply a emergency back up support if needed I'm sure my mum would love to come rescue some stranded young man :) banbridge at the most is s slow 30min drive, I would have a few to call on if needed , 
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: LennyJ1 on June 23, 2010
I really would be intrested, dont mind leaving my car at tollymore.
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: MG1 on June 24, 2010
I'm in ;D
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: 666_pack on June 24, 2010
i'll give it a blast too ;D
any dates in mind yet?
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: MikeD on June 24, 2010
Sounds good to me too.
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: suspectmonkey on June 25, 2010
No idea about dates, but first week or two of July is out for me.  End of July looks like it could be the "Supermeet" (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1199.0).  How are folks fixed for August?  Or is it too far away?
Title: Re: 100km - Newcastle to Carlingford
Post by: chris on June 26, 2010
August suits me. The sooner we settle on a date the better so I can book it off work, need about a months notice!! Oh and I'm in by the way!